Ben Belzer, President and CEO of TCI Precision Metals/E-Z LOK, reflected on several issues regarding E-Z LOK such as the impact of technology, changes in customer relations and the workforce, company history, family legacy, industry outlook and hopes for the future.
Belzer discussed the motivation behind the company’s recent purchase of a LOCTITE® machine and insert testing equipment. “The LOCTITE® machine was purchased as a way to gain more control and satisfy our customers’ needs.” The logistics involved in sending parts to be coated is costly and time- consuming. Having the machine, E-Z LOK can coat parts the same day and offer greater flexibility to its customers. The testing equipment gave the company the ability to market the true capabilities of the inserts, including pullout resistance and torque. He added, “These are common questions from customers. Instead of sending thousands of items for testing, we can test and perform quality inspections in-house.”
While he didn’t see a big change in customer relations over the years, Belzer believes that the company has gotten better at providing more details and improved customer service.
Even though finding qualified workers has become increasingly difficult over the years, he said that technology allowed the company to grow without a significant investment in human capital. “Our ERP system, Netsuite, has had the biggest impact on that. [It] allows us to focus our current customer service team on real issues, while the ERP handles the operations automatically. The scalability allows growth without additional cost.”
Regarding the impact of the Internet and the company’s addition of its CAD download service on engineering input, he stated that although both have had a positive impact on customers, engineers will still be key to designing and producing the company’s inserts.
E-Z LOK was founded in 1956 by Belzer’s grandfather, Burt, along with several partners. After a failed attempt at being a distributor for a well-known thread repair brand at the time, he came up with the threaded solid wall inserts for metal or E-Z LOK inserts. Since then, it’s remained a well-known brand.
Working in the shop during his high school and college years, Ben Belzer officially started his career with the company after graduating from the University of Illinois. Starting out with the selection and implementation of an ERP system, he eventually found his way to the sales board and ultimately, management.
He stated that his grandfather would be proud of him and surprised to see how far the business has come, although he’d be overwhelmed by today’s technology!
Referring to what excites him each day, Belzer enjoys “… the thrill of the chase and seeing the results of the hard work our team produces. I love a challenge, while finding and growing opportunities.”
Despite a negative future outlook in domestic vs. overseas supply, Belzer is not concerned as he says, “Global conflict and international trade policies can change rapidly. I stay optimistic on the current mix and availability of both domestic and foreign supply.”
Lastly, his plans for E-Z LOK include continuing on the established growth path and finding new products and solutions that will keep the company on the cutting edge in the fastener industry.
About E-Z LOK
E-Z LOK is a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood. Inserts for metal include solid wall and helical wire-thread inserts, while inserts for plastic feature press-in and ultrasonic/heat stake designs. Those for wood are die cast zinc alloy hex drives for softwood and brass knife threads for hardwood. A variety of kits for the above inserts are available and feature installation tools, drill bits, etc.
E-Z LOK is a third-generation family owned and operated company. Founded in 1956, it primarily sells North American OEM’s, end users and the DIY market through local, regional and national industrial distributors.
